ABOUT

OUR TEAM

With more than 40 combined years as operating room nurses, our passion is advocating for patients. In our experience, successful surgery is ALWAYS the result of a collaborative team approach and we believe this is one of the most critical factors in helping people achieve the best results when it comes to their health. We are passionate about teamwork. Connected Care was built on this concept of teamwork, which is why we are a group practice and not solo RN patient advocates. We collaborate with our clients as a team because two, three or four heads are better than one.

We help patients and families who are overwhelmed by a diagnosis, anxious about surgery, or confused about treatment options. Patients rely on our experience, compassion and drive to help them achieve the best outcomes.

There is a need for patient advocacy that extends far beyond the operating room.

We are committed to creating a way for patients to receive personalized, comprehensive, continued support as they navigate their journey towards wellness and healing. Our mission is to provide support for people wanting to improve their health, whether it's in response to a health crisis or a desire to optimize overall wellness and quality of life.

ANTRA BOYD

irnpa, BSN, MSN, CNOR

I am passionate about marriage, motherhood, and family. I have been happily married seventeen years and have two lovely teenagers, two furry labradors, and Miles (a Russian tortoise) who belongs to my son. I am the eldest of ten siblings, an aunt to three nieces and six nephews. Family reunions are always fun, surprising, and very interesting, think wedding ceremonies in which the groomsmen are dressed as ninjas and the bridesmaids are dressed as fairies!

I am a United States Veteran and served six years active duty in Southern California. While in the Navy, I learned to shore up a sinking ship, put on a gas mask and gear during a simulated gas attack. I use the term 'simulated' to indicate that it wasn't a real attack, but the gas was definitely real. That was an experience in fortitude and lots of snot. And it was the Navy who taught me how to be a nurse. It is truly one of the biggest honors of my life to have served my country and our men and women service members.

I am curious, resourceful, quick-witted, and a little bit sensitive. Trust me - sensitivity in the operating room has it's pitfalls, but I love that I am tender hearted and deeply care for people. Finally, I believe that connection is at the heart of health and wellness. When we hear each other and help each other, we do better. Period.

SHERRI VALDEZ

IRNPA, BSN

A good life isn't simply a long life but one that is lived well and with the least illness. A good life is intentional, just as good health is. Who will make the decisions concerning your health? How will that effect your life?

These are questions I have contemplated as I consider my future. As a Patient Advocate, I am passionate about coming alongside others to equip them with what they need to make purposeful decisions concerning their health. With 18 years of nursing experience, I have seen and experienced the deficits in our healthcare system. I have also discovered a larger world of medicine that offers options that allopathic medicine has yet to explore.

Life is to be lived well. For me, being present wherever I am has allowed me to breathe in the moment: time spent with my daughter, laughter with friends, hiking in the woods, digging my toes in the sand at the beach, holding my Dad's hand and knowing time is short, listening to the rooster announce the morning sunrise. A little adrenaline rush balanced out with a latte and a good book works too. My faith holds it all together and allows me to face each new day with wonder and gratefulness.

Ciera dube

IRNPA, BSN, cnor

I am a wife, soon-to-be first time mom (what crazy sleep-deprived adventure am I walking into!?!?!).

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and it really is the best place in the world! During my last two years of high school my family moved to Manila, Philippines. I graduated from an international school and then stayed an extra year volunteering in a free medical clinic. Moving at the age of 16 and losing all my independence was brutal, but the Philippines is where my love of nursing blossomed. Being able to care for the people that had no financial means to get medical care was incredibly moving to my 18 year old soul. Being a nurse and walking with clients and their families is an amazing gift that God has blessed me with.

My husband knows the keys to my heart are breakfast dates downtown Portland, heading to the Oregon beach for a day, and a hot chai on a fall day at Chapters in good ol’ Newberg (shout out to George Fox University)! Our home is filled with lots of laughter (thanks to my husband), kayaking (the peaceful flat-water kind), lots of cooking, and hanging out with our family and friends.